1712.1004.Ta

Addressed:
Lord Strafford to M^r Prior

Utrecht 4 Oct: 1712

The French promis'd to acquaint us when they dispatch
a Courier that we might write by him to you. They
have indeed kept their words, but have done it so
late, that I have hardly time to add these two
words of the assurance of the continuance of that
friendship you know I have long profess'd to you.

This affair of Portugal is all worth sending
you from hence at present, and what may perhaps
surprise you as it did us, being Lord Dartmouth
in his laconick¹ stile only sent us word that the
King of Portugal had accepted the Cessation
which we might communicate to the French
Plenipotentiarys: but the Portuguese came to us,
and log'd the matter as you see.

If we had a mind to have Nick Frog
sign with us, we might, for he is ready to
do it for Tournay, which if we sign together
we can't well refuse him, but I expect you
will cut that matter short, and I long to
hear from you.

none is more
your &c